The Ultimate Hybrid Music Production Rig

I've been on a mission to build the ultimate music production rig—a setup that can handle DAWless jamming, full studio production, live performance, and everything in between. This journey started with an idea: to create a workflow that allows me to effortlessly blend hardware and software, analog and digital, creative improvisation and polished production.

The result? A completely modular setup centered around the TASCAM Model 12, MPC X SE, FM9, Tone Master Pro, SP-404MKII, Korg Minilogue XD, Roland TR-8S, and Arturia KeyLab 49. Everything ties into my Scarlett 18i8 and Mac Mini, giving me the power to seamlessly switch between DAWless production and advanced mixing in Logic Pro.

In this post, I’m going to break down everything—my research process, why I chose this particular gear, how it's all routed, and what this rig unlocks for me creatively. Let's get into it.

Over the last few years, I've been increasingly drawn to hardware-based music production. There's something about the tactile experience of turning knobs, pushing buttons, and creating music without staring at a screen that feels more authentic and inspiring. As someone who’s been deep in the world of DAW-based production for years, I wanted to expand my creative process and make music in a way that feels more like jamming on a guitar—spontaneous, intuitive, and free-flowing.

But I didn’t want to lose the precision and control of DAW-based production. I wanted a setup that would allow me to work entirely DAWless if I wanted, but also let me integrate everything seamlessly with my Mac Mini and Logic Pro when I need to do more refined mixing and mastering.

The Research Process

Before buying anything, I did a ridiculous amount of research. I dug through manuals, watched hours of YouTube videos, and scoured forums to figure out what gear would best suit my needs. I wanted to make sure that everything I bought would serve a purpose and work well together. I wasn’t interested in just collecting gear for the sake of it.

I looked at how each piece of gear would fit into my existing setup, what roles they would serve, and how they would interact with each other. I also took the time to learn how each device worked on a deep level before committing to buying it.

The Gear I Chose (And Why)

TASCAM Model 12

The TASCAM Model 12 is the central hub of my entire setup. It’s a mixer, multitrack recorder, audio interface, and DAW controller all rolled into one. Its ability to send audio to my MPC X SE via USB or directly to my Mac Mini makes it incredibly versatile.

MPC X SE

The MPC X SE is the brain of my rig. I’ll be using it for sequencing, sampling, and arranging music, whether I’m working DAWless or routing things back into Logic Pro for more advanced production. It also acts as a MIDI controller and sequencer for my other gear.

Fractal FM9 & Fender Tone Master Pro

Look, I was a guitarist first that became a producer. These are my babies for guitar tones; however, I also have both the FM9 and TMP connected to the TASCAM via sends, allowing me to use them as creative effects units for anything in my rig. This is a game-changer for sound design, especially when routing synths or samples through the FM9’s insane reverbs and modulation effects (shoutout to that cathedral reverb - it's amazing).

SP-404MKII

The SP-404MKII is my secret weapon for texture and resampling. It’s connected via the Sub Mix on the TASCAM, allowing me to route anything to it, process it, and send it back to the MPC for even more manipulation.

Synths & Controllers

• Korg Minilogue XD – A powerful analog synth for creating lush pads, leads, and basses.

• Roland TR-8S – My go-to drum machine for creating groove-heavy beats.

• Arturia KeyLab 49 – Acts as both a MIDI controller for my DAW and a hands-on instrument for the MPC.

Mac Mini & Scarlett Interfaces

The Scarlett 18i8 and 2i2 are my audio interfaces for streaming and recording audio. I have the Scarlett 18i8 connected to the Mac Mini for VST integration, recording, and livestreaming, with the MPC sending audio to the Scarlett for processing and final mastering in Logic Pro.

How Everything Is Routed (Wiring & Setup)

• TASCAM Model 12 Inputs:

  • 1/2: Korg Minilogue XD

  • 3/4: Roland TR-8S

  • 5/6: SP-404MKII (Sub Mix return)

  • 7/8: Tone Master Pro (TMP)

  • 9/10: FM9

  • Send 1: TMP (For reverb/effects)

  • Send 2: FM9 (For modulation/delay)

  • Sub Mix: SP-404MKII

  • AUX Input: Mac Mini (For routing VSTs into the MPC)

• MPC X SE Routing:

  • Connected to TASCAM via USB.

  • Stereo out sent to Scarlett 18i8 (Inputs 2/3).

  • MIDI control of Korg Minilogue XD, TR-8S, FM9, and potentially SP-404MKII.

• Audio Interfaces:

  • Scarlett 18i8 is connected to Mac Mini for streaming and recording.

  • Scarlett 2i2 is used to route audio to iPhone for livestreaming.

• Scarlett 18i8 MIDI Out: Connected to MPC for DAW control of VSTs.

(MPC missing in this photo, delivery was delayed :( )

What’s Next (Testing & Content Creation)

The plan is to test each component and confirm everything is working as intended. I’ll be documenting this journey and sharing it with my community through blog posts, videos, and livestreams. Once everything is dialed in, this hybrid rig will be a creative powerhouse.

Stay tuned for more breakdowns and guides on how this rig works and how you can build something similar for yourself. This is just the beginning!